The following letter is addressed to U.S. Rep. Don Beyer and U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.
I am writing in response to the latest horrifying events at our borders. To treat families with children, fleeing violence we can't even imagine, as a dangerous mob is criminal. No child anywhere, ever, should be targeted with tear gas and worse. I implore you to come out rapidly and strongly against the appalling hate crimes being committed in our names by the Trump administration. As the balance of power shifts in the House, I hope you will use that power to take an unequivocal stance in favor of empathy, kindness, generosity, and humanity.
I will be watching for legislation that makes it easier for asylum-seekers to cross our borders safely, to file their claims, and to be heard. I will look for legislation that circumscribes the power any one person has to dictate who is or is not "good enough" to qualify for entry.
We must remember that we are all immigrants or descended from immigrants and that is one of our great strengths. Please make a clear statement that we are better than this. That the American people have not lost our humanity, even if our elected leader has.
Dorrit Lowsen
Alexandria